The first song on the Upside Out EP is “Turn Up The Radio,” a great opener in which singer Damian Kulash proclaims “I want it loud as hell, I want the walls to melt.” It’s an energetic song that gets the listener pumped up for the rest of the EP. The verses provide a slightly calmer anticipation that leads into the punchier choruses.

“The Writing’s On The Wall,” on the other hand, is a dreamy pre-breakup anthem with a nostalgic vibe. This mid-tempo song describes a couple that haven’t “seen a good day” in forever, but they are hopeful that it can change. Damian sings “I just want to get you high tonight, I just want to see some pleasure in your eyes.” It’s a pleasure to listen to, despite the inevitable demise of the song’s couple.

The third song, “I Won’t Let You Down,” is a fun, hand-clapping song that could have come straight from the ’70s. It has a disco groove that makes it impossible not to dance and tap your toes. The strings in the background make it even slicker, and lead up to a smooth breakdown towards to the end of the track.

The EP ends with “The One Moment,” a slower, fuller song that builds to an anthemic chorus. It’s optimistic and victorious, like the singer has finally overcome his obstacles. It’s not as dance-y and energetic as the previous three tracks, but it sounds both endearing and powerful. “The One Moment” makes for a great closer to the EP.

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